More and more people are experiencing the power of CBD. CBD is becoming increasingly popular among people with autism. CBD is suitable for both adults and children. Children with autism can use CBD. But does CBD help with autism? In the following blog article, we will explore this question in more depth. Does CBD help with or against autism? And how do you use CBD for autism?
What is autism?
Autism is something that occurs frequently. Yet only 1 in 150 people are diagnosed with autism. It is estimated that this is much higher. Many people have a mild form of autism. But what exactly is autism?
Most people who have autism have high intelligence. About 1% of Dutch people suffer from autism. Autism is often diagnosed in someone during their early years. It can also be that you find out later in life that you have autism. This can be because there is also a mild form of autism.
You have autism for life, but you can reduce the symptoms of autism by using CBD oil. You can recognize autism by the following points:
- Problems in social areas/less well-developed social intuition
- Difficulty with (unexpected) change
- Taking things very literally
- Honest and straightforward
- Excellent attention to detail
- Good at analyzing
- Does not like small talk
- Good at recognizing patterns
- Difficulty maintaining an overview
- Loyal
- Able to think outside fixed frameworks
- Perfectionistic
- (Apparently) showing no interest in others
- Precise
- Over- or under-sensitive to sensory stimuli
- Being very intensely engaged with a limited number of subjects
- Hyperfocus
- Talent for specialization
- Preference for one-on-one contact
- Slower information processing
Autism is often diagnosed in children. A child with autism often has a learning delay but is generally very intelligent. When you first come into contact with someone who has autism, interacting can often be very difficult. This is especially true with children.
Children are often less social and need structure. They respond differently to jokes than other children. When you say something to a child with autism, it is often taken literally. So it is very important how you communicate something to a child with autism.
The early years of a person's life are very important for their eventual development. If you have a child with autism, their first years often determine their behavior for the rest of their life. 70% of people with autism later experience issues such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, burnout, personality disorders, or post-traumatic stress.
These are complaints that generally occur often, but especially in people with autism. These complaints can be well relieved or reduced with CBD.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of the many substances from the cannabis plant. When hearing cannabis, most people think of weed. However, there is a big difference with the cannabis plant from which CBD products are made. This cannabis plant contains very little THC. THC is the substance that gives you a high or stoned feeling.
CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, comes from the cannabis plant. Besides CBD, there are other beneficial substances in this plant such as CBG, CBN, and CBC. When making CBD oil, often all substances remain. We then speak of Full Spectrum CBD oil. The substances enhance each other's effects, causing the entourage effect. Besides Full Spectrum oil, there is also a THC-free CBD oil.
When CBD is extracted from the plant, all substances come along. A small portion of THC is also included. To make CBD legal in the Netherlands and Belgium, it is not allowed to use more than 0.05% THC. In THC-free oil, all substances remain except THC. There is also a Pure CBD oil. This oil contains only CBD and is often used purposefully. This can be, for example, with children with autism who only want to experience the power of CBD.
CBD and autism
We now know what autism is, how to recognize autism, and what CBD is. But how do CBD and autism go together? And does CBD help against or with autism?
We read earlier that autism often brings problems at a later age. We previously wrote a blog about; The proven benefits of CBD. Here we wrote about when you can use CBD and for which complaints. We now know that 70% of people with autism experience the following complaints:
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Burnout
- Personality disorder
- Post-traumatic stress
- Mood disorder
You have autism for life, but you can reduce the accompanying symptoms by using CBD.
Research on CBD in autism
CBD is becoming increasingly popular. More and more research is being conducted on the power of CBD. Researcher Bou Khali is convinced that CBD helps with the symptoms of autism. This is supported by a study from February 2012 (source). This study found that a certain hormone, namely oxytocin, can have a significant influence on various symptoms found in people with autism.
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that functions as both a hormone and neurotransmitter. It appears to play an important role in linking social contacts with feelings of pleasure. It plays a central role in mother bonding, friendships, and romantic interactions, as well as in sexuality. More oxytocin is also produced when performing caregiving tasks. Because oxytocin also plays an important role in the attachment between caregiver and child, it is sometimes called the cuddle hormone. While oxytocin strengthens altruism and bonding within the own group (ingroup), it can promote aggressive behavior toward other groups (outgroup), especially if these groups are perceived as threatening.
Oxytocin, like ADH, is a cyclic nonapeptide produced in the hypothalamus. It is then transported to and stored in Herring bodies at axon terminals in the neurohypophysis and can be released here. Oxytocin has several functions, including contraction of smooth muscle tissue (for example, the uterus) and regulating the milk ejection reflex during breastfeeding. (source)
It was discovered that the protein TRPV2 stimulates the release of oxytocin. CBD actually promotes the production of TRPV2. So when someone with autism regularly consumes cannabinoids, for example by using CBD oil, the production of this specific protein is increased, resulting in more oxytocin release. The result: social signals are picked up faster and better.
The endocannabinoid system
Every body has an endocannabinoid system. This natural body system is often out of balance, causing complaints to occur more easily. By using CBD oil, the endocannabinoid system can be brought back into balance.
The body often produces too few cannabinoids on its own. CBD oil can help with this. By using CBD oil, complaints such as stress, insomnia, anxiety, or depression may occur less quickly or you may recover from them faster.
Which CBD products can you use for autism?
If you or someone around you has autism, it may be wise to use CBD oil. Depending on your complaint and age, you choose the right CBD product.
The most well-known and widely used CBD product is CBD oil. CBD oil comes in different strengths. The lightest oil is a CBD oil 5%, while the strongest oil is CBD oil 30%. The lightest variant is often used for young children or as preventive use. Do you have autism and suffer from additional complaints? Then you will quickly choose a CBD oil 10%. If you have never used CBD oil before, it is important to take the buildup phase into account.
In this phase, your body gets used to the CBD oil. You start with three drops three times a day and gradually increase this. If you use more than 18 drops, that is three times six drops a day, it is wise to choose a stronger CBD oil. You can go from a 10% to a 20% CBD oil. In this case, you can halve the dosage.
It is important that you consistently continue taking the CBD oil. The first effects are generally felt only after two weeks. After eight to twelve weeks, your body responds best to the CBD oil, and the CBD oil can have the best effect on your complaints.
CBD oil has a naturally herbal taste and is often difficult for children to take. It is possible to consume CBD in other ways. Think of CBD gummies, or CBD chocolate. You can also choose the tasteless CBD capsules. Do you want to use CBD for autism? Then choose a certified seller. Always check a test report so you are sure you are ordering high-quality CBD products.
Order CBD online
You can easily and quickly order CBD online at ProHemp. ProHemp is an experienced online seller with a wide range of CBD products. Many customers have gone before you, resulting in many positive reviews.
You can place your order within two minutes. You can enjoy your CBD product as early as the next working day.
Do you have questions? ProHemp can provide you with personal advice. Please note that ProHemp never gives medical advice. For that, you should contact your general practitioner.